Essential Kit

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Mozzie
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Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #1
Hi all,

Just been reading the tips list there and it's great. I've been googling and compiled lists for packing, thank you.
Love the idea of the list on the dash for checking everything before take off!

What I'm wondering is if those experienced motorhomers could give a list of essential kit us newbies need to buy? Stuff we definitely need that doesn't come with the van. EG;
tyre pressure monitor systems - necessary or nice to have?
Wheel levellers - presume they're necessary for wobbly sites.
Do I need one of those battery operated tyre inflators?
Recommendations for ehu cable - length, brand?
Same for hose to fill water tank?

Gadgets that you have found to be super useful while on the road or getting ready to go out.

I don't want to land myself in debt buying rubbish I don't need but am willing to invest in items that are necessary and which make life easier / safer on the road.

All suggestions greatly appreciated.


AliPhatCamper
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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #2
Not that I'm an expert.........

Keep everything you can for the MH in the MH at all times so you don't head off and forget the spoons.

Source a little tool kit:
They appear on offer at various outlets. Got one on offer at Halfrauds for less than a tenner. Contains little socket set, spanners, pliers, hammer, wire strippers, cable ties etc. Put a few fuses in as well and some wire and tape.
Even if I am stumped, (probably), a grown-up can get me going again hopefully.

Carry a pair of little wellies.
Can be useful. Just the ankle high hobbies that don't take up too much room.

Tow rope.
Not necessarily to be towed home but to give or receive a tow out of a bit of wet grass.

Let the big list begin!


Mozzie
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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #3
Quote by AliPhatCamper

Not that I'm an expert.........

Keep everything you can for the MH in the MH at all times so you don't head off and forget the spoons.

Source a little tool kit:
They appear on offer at various outlets. Got one on offer at Halfrauds for less than a tenner. Contains little socket set, spanners, pliers, hammer, wire strippers, cable ties etc. Put a few fuses in as well and some wire and tape.
Even if I am stumped, (probably), a grown-up can get me going again hopefully.

Carry a pair of little wellies.
Can be useful. Just the ankle high hobbies that don't take up too much room.

Tow rope.
Not necessarily to be towed home but to give or receive a tow out of a bit of wet grass.

Let the big list begin!


Thank you.
Is this the type of tool kit you mean?
https://www.halfords.ie/worksh…c-tool-set
Worried we wouldn't have a clue how to use the tools but my other half might!


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #4
Definately not an expert, but here's some ideas;

Levellers are essential. Buy good ones, like THIS or THIS.

EHU lead. We carry 2. One approx 10 metres we use a lot, the other is about 20 metres. The idea being that we can connect two together should we need to run a long distance, this is common on the continent where EHU points can be a distance away.

Water hose. Some folk use the collapsible type. We carry a simple garden hose, about 15 metres. Some say that you should use a food grade type. I think if its clean and regurarly used then fine.
Carry an assortment of tap fittings, different thread adaptors, clamp on types, snap fittings and joiners. Keep in a tupperware box and they're always to hand. If you have a joiner and 2 snap ends on the hose you can clip them together and this prevents spillage of residual water in the hose when stored. Fittings like this, there is 3 main thread diameters in use, the 2 smaller ones are common here.
 


12v tyre inflator. Handy to have, not essential.

TPMS. Nice to have, not essential.

Handy thing is a plastic bucket. Handy for emptying grey waste if parked up and you need to empty the tank.

Watering can, very handy for topping up fresh water tank if tap is out of range.

Small rope to use as a clothes line and some pegs.

A small tool kit. Lidl have them sometimes. Inc pliers, screwdrivers and very basic stuff.

Duck tape and cable ties !... yes, you will use it sometime !

12 volt USB plugs in van, handy for phone/tablet charging without EHU.

Tons more stuff, most not essential but handy.
More posts will follow on this I'm sure.
Enjoy the motorhome and happy travelling.


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #5
I would recommend carrying a multimeter. Even if you don’t know what it does yet, you will eventually. Get yourself down to Aldi and grab a bargain meter for €10.99. Link

Aldi also recently advertised a very neat tool kit in a nice carry bag, and my local Aldi still have them. Worth a look as a good starter or essential tool kit.

I just installed a TMPS, not essential perhaps but I would recommend one of these key ring gauges from Halfords at the very least

 


Mozzie
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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #6
Quote by JJF

Carry an assortment of tap fittings, different thread adaptors, clamp on types, snap fittings and joiners. Keep in a tupperware box and they're always to hand. If you have a joiner and 2 snap ends on the hose you can clip them together and this prevents spillage of residual water in the hose when stored. Fittings like this, there is 3 main thread diameters in use, the 2 smaller ones are common here.

12 volt USB plugs in van, handy for phone/tablet charging without EHU.



My head just exploded after reading the hose fittings! Thanks so much for the info

Regarding the 12v usb plugs, are they the cigarette lighter type ones? Sorry, clueless. And thanks again


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #7
Quote by Mozzie

Quote by JJF

Carry an assortment of tap fittings, different thread adaptors, clamp on types, snap fittings and joiners. Keep in a tupperware box and they're always to hand. If you have a joiner and 2 snap ends on the hose you can clip them together and this prevents spillage of residual water in the hose when stored. Fittings like this, there is 3 main thread diameters in use, the 2 smaller ones are common here.

12 volt USB plugs in van, handy for phone/tablet charging without EHU.



My head just exploded after reading the hose fittings! Thanks so much for the info

Regarding the 12v usb plugs, are they the cigarette lighter type ones? Sorry, clueless. And thanks again


Dont worry about the hose fittings, you will get them in any hardware shop.....tip: buy hozelock brand, not as cheap as 'cheap' ones but you'll thank me later !

The USB sockets are fixed ones, put on a simple switch, available online HERE for less than a fiver. They can be wired to the leisure batteries therefore protecting your starter battery from becomming flat if you were to run all from the existing cigarette lighter socket.
 


Mozzie
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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #8
Quote by JJF

Quote by Mozzie

Quote by JJF

Carry an assortment of tap fittings, different thread adaptors, clamp on types, snap fittings and joiners. Keep in a tupperware box and they're always to hand. If you have a joiner and 2 snap ends on the hose you can clip them together and this prevents spillage of residual water in the hose when stored. Fittings like this, there is 3 main thread diameters in use, the 2 smaller ones are common here.

12 volt USB plugs in van, handy for phone/tablet charging without EHU.



My head just exploded after reading the hose fittings! Thanks so much for the info

Regarding the 12v usb plugs, are they the cigarette lighter type ones? Sorry, clueless. And thanks again


Dont worry about the hose fittings, you will get them in any hardware shop.....tip: buy hozelock brand, not as cheap as 'cheap' ones but you'll thank me later !

The USB sockets are fixed ones, put on a simple switch, available online HERE for less than a fiver. They can be wired to the leisure batteries therefore protecting your starter battery from becomming flat if you were to run all from the existing cigarette lighter socket.
 



Great, thanks a million for that.


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #9
I found both


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #10
For those traveling with kids, a pair of wellies and a pair of crocs for each child.
Wellies for rain , crocs for sunshine.
Both can be washed and hung on the bike rack for drying overnight.
Lidl or Aldi should have their camping gear in the next few weeks.
Things like a collapsible basin and bucket are handy and fold down small.
Malcolm


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #11
I wouldn't use a lot of the water points on the Aires in Spain because of cross contamination. My solution was to buy a cheap funnel like this. https://www.eurocarparts.com/e…w0QAvD_BwE Easy to use and with bottled water costing 72 cents for 8 litres cheap enough to fill your tank with good water. Keep it with thw cooking stuff to keep it clean.


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #12
sprinter
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Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #13
Quote by witzend

I found both of these very useful this ONE TO SHARE a connection and this ONE 2 PIN to 3 PIN used in Europe


Great adaptors. Just be sure whatever length of lead you use, roll all of it out.


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #14
Quote by the fat controller

corkscrew and bottle opener, you will figure out what they are for :lol:

Those are the only items that come to my mind also... :lol:

Oh, I just thought of another one... a credit card... :-)


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #15
Not essential, but we have a 5/8" Zero-g water hose that I would highly recommend. It's light weight, folds up small and is a genuine kink free hose. Its also rated for drinking water. I bought it a few year ago when I was in america, but you can get it on amazon.com fairly cheaply. I think I saw it for sale at the Bloom garden festival last year so there may be a distributor in Ireland now...

Click me:



Mozzie
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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #16
Quote by Thorn123

For those traveling with kids, a pair of wellies and a pair of crocs for each child.
Wellies for rain , crocs for sunshine.
Both can be washed and hung on the bike rack for drying overnight.
Lidl or Aldi should have their camping gear in the next few weeks.
Things like a collapsible basin and bucket are handy and fold down small.
Malcolm


The wellies and crocs we definitely have! Will keep an eye out in those shops, thank you


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #17
Quote by The Rambler

I would recommend carrying a multimeter. Even if you don’t know what it does yet, you will eventually. Get yourself down to Aldi and grab a bargain meter for €10.99. Link

Aldi also recently advertised a very neat tool kit in a nice carry bag, and my local Aldi still have them. Worth a look as a good starter or essential tool kit.

I just installed a TMPS, not essential perhaps but I would recommend one of these key ring gauges from Halfords at the very least

 



Thanks for the heads up on the multimeter in Aldi, just bought one :-) Cant go wrong at €11.


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #18
I don't have one but it is on my list, a Breathalyser.


The Rambler
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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #19
Quote by CHAUSSON

I don't have one but it is on my list, a Breathalyser.


Oh good call on the breathalyzer! I got a cheap Chinese one online. The number of times it has beeped incessantly at me to say “Do not get behind that wheel!”, is, well a lot. I don’t know if it is accurate so I just assume it is, and don’t go anywhere until it read zero.


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #20
A small notebook and pen, to write down all the things you forgot.


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Essential Kit

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Posted: 21.03.2019  ·  #21
Quote by Mark&Wendy

A small notebook and pen, to write down all the things you forgot.


Or bring the wife and the children they will never let you forget what you didn't bring even if it was there phone charger,


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 22.03.2019  ·  #22
Quote by The Rambler

Quote by CHAUSSON

I don't have one but it is on my list, a Breathalyser.


Oh good call on the breathalyzer! I got a cheap Chinese one online. The number of times it has beeped incessantly at me to say “Do not get behind that wheel!”, is, well a lot. I don’t know if it is accurate so I just assume it is, and don’t go anywhere until it read zero.


Think we're ok on this front, thanks :)


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 22.03.2019  ·  #23
Maybe a bit obvious, if so sorry, but fuses, a first aid kit, can of tyreweld,light waterproof that stays in van, duck tape, small 12v vacuum cleaner, jug for filling up toilet flush, fleecy blanket (we once spilled water over our bedding) spanner for changing gas cylinders, can of silicone spray for awning rail/ windows/ toilet seals/doors. Small 500w radiator, if heating goes out safer than fan heater, led lantern,.......


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 22.03.2019  ·  #24
Quote by Mark&Wendy

A small notebook and pen, to write down all the things you forgot.

A very essential bit of kit, ours becomes the shopping list usually.


Quote by derm41

Maybe a bit obvious, if so sorry, but fuses, a first aid kit, can of tyreweld,light waterproof that stays in van, duck tape, small 12v vacuum cleaner, jug for filling up toilet flush, fleecy blanket (we once spilled water over our bedding) spanner for changing gas cylinders, can of silicone spray for awning rail/ windows/ toilet seals/doors. Small 500w radiator, if heating goes out safer than fan heater, led lantern,.......

All good suggestions.


Keep the suggestions coming folks, great thread for those starting out.


AliPhatCamper
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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 22.03.2019  ·  #25
Toilet roll.

Kitchen Roll.

Matches.


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 22.03.2019  ·  #26
Face cloth to chamois yourself down with when you come out of the showe. Towels. Can be hard to dry in a motorhome so the more water you get off yourself before you use the towel the better


AliPhatCamper
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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 22.03.2019  ·  #27
I knew a guy who didn't have a shower on board, hi-top van conversion, carried baby wipes for a freshen up.


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 15.07.2019  ·  #28
Quote by JJF





12 volt USB plugs in van, handy for phone/tablet charging without EHU.




Definitely fit a switch if installing the USB sockets as they will draw power from whichever battery they're connected to. Nice to turn off when not needed.


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Re: Essential Kit

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Posted: 16.07.2019  ·  #29
This USB C charger has served me well. In fact, the first proved so useful, I bought another!
It charges everything from phones, to the Nintendo Switch, to my laptop.
Nekteck USB Type C Car Charger with PD Power Delivery 45W
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0…B075WQQG7C

Also, we've found Karcher's Window Vac to be very effective for the moisture buildup on the windscreen in the morning.


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